"Atleti earned a huge win over their domestic rivals, the former whipping a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner after Pau Cubarsi was sent off, and the latter finishing off a sweeping second-half move after coming off the bench."
"Simeone remains wary, particularly given his team's recent history against the Blaugrana. Atleti edged out Barca in the Copa del Rey semi-finals earlier this season, but after winning the first leg 4-0, they went 3-0 down in the return fixture."
"We have the humility to say that they are very good, but we have all the commitment to continue in this competition. I like to prepare with an advantage, to be honest! It is a matter of common sense."
Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-0 in the Champions League quarter-finals, with goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth. Despite the loss, Barcelona outshot Atletico and had a higher expected goals metric. Atletico holds an advantage, as Barcelona has never advanced after losing the first leg at home. Diego Simeone emphasized the need for humility and preparation for the second leg, recalling past experiences against Barcelona. Hansi Flick, Barcelona's coach, criticized the officiating after the match.
Read at Soccer News
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